Neptune's Aquacontrollers.

[mpoletti]

I have been thinking about a controller more and more, especially since my coralife power center keeps screwing up. I have taken it back twice now, and its ready to go again.

Since my tank is not set up to my computer, I was thinking about just the JR. Who has the different models and what do you like and dislike about them.

Thanks.

 

[MrMikeB]

I have the big borther to tyhe JR - love it! The biggest difference between the two is the ORP probe add on, and the built in Ethernet and web server. Other than that the logic is identical. The AC3 has the ability to run more DC plugins as well, but that may or may not be a selling factor if you have but a simple setup.

All in all I think the AC3 is a great product, and personally it was a great choice for me given the ORP add on and the expansion capabilities. For the price though, you cannot beat the AC Jr... right now Neptune is offering them at about $225 with a a DC8 module. The AC3 goes for $600.

 

[dots]

Oh geee look what I found.....Im so good, sometimes I suprise myself......hehehehehe

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=997688


The power centers are junk, I bought a dual one myself and the dials kept sticking.......I keep waiting for them to come out with the dual digital......but for some reason they havn't/won't.

 

[mpoletti]

Mike- Thanks for the input. I want to be able to control my lights (Halides & T5) And temp (chiller & Heater). Tunzes are fine and all the other gizmos are fine as well. I am curious about the ORP because in the next tank, I will be doing ozone. In fact, once things start getting "normal" around here, I might be looking into it sonner than later.

Doug- Thanks for the link. I think this is a subject that will take more time and research than most of my purchases. I think I want to see a few in action before I drop the coin on one.

 

[dots]

That is exactly the reason I have: a used chiller, "temporarily plumbed" sump with vinyl hose, no closed loop, or controller myself. All of those require knowledge and insight that I just didn't have at the time and am slowly figuring out what I like/dislike and want/need. That way when the time comes for the next one, I know exactly what I want and can do it correctly the first time......I hope.

 

[mpoletti]

That is one thing I can say. I do have an idea of what the "next" is going to be. So far, the equipment I have will do. I will upgade skimmer(maybe) and sump, but after I add some more lights and throw an external pump, I will be good to go. Now, I just need to get the tank. I have a few months left in the design, but I want to get this lighting and temp dialed in, so I can get some of that Optimum growth.

 

[dots]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9623421#post9623421 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marko9
but I want to get this lighting and temp dialed in, so I can get some of that Optimum growth.

Its a never ending chase and you will always want more, like horsepower......which is the reson for all the bulb changes and what not you see........

 

[ReefHoBo]

I have an acII, it a must have for me. especially temperature control

 

[Sparkss]

AC Jr here, w/ DC8, DC4 and 1 socket expansion. While we do monitor ORP, our ozone generator has a built in ORP controller/monitor, so even thought we are not currently running O3, we are using it to monitor ORP . For the proce difference, if you don't need the extra addressable outplets (AC Jr controls up to 12), then the cost difference just to get ORP is more than what our O3 gen + ORP controller cost . Not to mention what a DC8 costs when you try to buy on un-bundled (and don't even talk to me about using X-10 *uugghh*)

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Mark

I started off with the AC I standard about seven years ago. I still have it as a backup. I have the AC III standard now. Like Mike said, the biggest differenced between the AC III and the AC III Jr. is the web interface. With the web interface you can monitor and control your tank from anywhere in the that has internet access.

However, either one is far better than neither. If you're buying either AC III don't buy an auto-top off system or a pH controller for your calcium reactor. The AC III makes both unecessary.

Also, X10 (www.X10.com) is a great place to pick up the control units cheap.

Edit...

I just realized the AC III Jr. doesn't have an I/O port. This is what you connect your auto top-off float switches to. You must have an AC III standard, not Jr. to use the AC as an auto top off system.

Edit...

Correction, correction The I/O port is an option on the AC III Jr. If you get the Jr get the I/O port.

 

[mpoletti]

So the biggest difference between the two is that is on the ACIII, you can control more and have an ORP meter.
If you run Ozone, wouldn't your ozonizer take care of that?

What am I missing. It seems like the JR is a pretty good gig for about half the price. I am going to get the DC8 along with either one.

Brian- I already have a PH monitor for my calcium reactor. Do I still need one for my meter? I/O Port? Bear with me, This is for the internet, correct?

Who wants to show off the different models to me? Please PM me. I want to get this dialed in before the heat really kicks in. Thanks.